Eric Devenport Explained

Honorific-Prefix:The Rt Revd
Eric Devenport
Bishop of Dunwich
Diocese:Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich
Term:1980–1992 (retired)
Predecessor:William Johnston
Successor:Jonathan Bailey
Other Post:Honorary assistant bishop in Norwich (since 2000)
Archdeacon of Italy (1992–1997), honorary assistant bishop in Europe
Ordination: (deacon); (priest)
Consecration:30 September 1980
Birth Date:3 May 1926
Religion:Anglican
Parents:Joseph and Emma
Spouse:Jean Richardson (m. 1954)
Children:2 daughters
Alma Mater:Open University

Eric Nash Devenport (3 May 1926[1] – 10 November 2012[2]) was Bishop of Dunwich from 1980 to 1992.

Devenport was born in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent. He attended the Lichfield Cathedral choir school until the family moved to Durham. His training at Kelham Hall theological college was interrupted by National Service in the Royal Navy. He was also educated at the Open University. After ordination he held curacies at St Mark's Church, Leicester[3] and St Matthew, Barrow-in-Furness.[4] Following this he was Succentor at Leicester Cathedral, then Vicar of Shepshed and finally (before his ordination to the episcopate) Leader of Mission for the Diocese of Leicester.[5] He resigned in 1992 and became Archdeacon of Italy and Malta and Chaplain of St Mark's, Florence, a post he held for five years.

In retirement he was an assistant bishop in the Norwich Diocese until his death in 2012.

Notes and References

  1. [Who's Who]
  2. http://www.achurchnearyou.com/norwich-st-george-tombland/page/23792/ A Church Near You – Eric Devenport
  3. http://www.crosbyheritage.co.uk/location/leicester/st-marks-church/ Church web-site
  4. Crockford's clerical directory, 1995” (Lambeth, Church House)
  5. ”Debrett's People of Today 1992” (London, Debrett's))